SERRETA HIKE: AN ENCHANTED FOREST IN TERCEIRA
Welcome to the Serreta Hike – a trail that feels a bit like stepping straight into a storybook. Picture yourself weaving through Terceira’s lush, laurel forests and climbing towards a crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by mother nature’s finest. This unique circular trail takes you through the Serra de Santa Bárbara Natural Reserve, the Mistérios Negros area and the Protected Habitat and Species Management Area of the Central Plateau. It’s the kind of adventure that takes you deep into the island’s soul. It’s super lush, vibrant, and very much alive with the whispers of the forest. With its crooked laurisilva trees and surreal landscapes, every step brings you closer to Terceira’s raw beauty.
SERRETA HIKE FACTS
Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
Hike Duration: around 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 441 m (1,447 ft)
Difficulty: Moderately easy. Includes steeper sections and some slippery paths. Wet weather can make it trickier, so proper footwear is a must.
Gear Needed: Grippy hiking shoes, layers for rapidly changing weather (windbreaker as a minimum). Check out my hiking clothing guide here for more recommendations.
Highlights: Incredible enchanted forest, Lagoinha lagoon, ever-changing landscapes and a serene farm crossing.
Strava Track: SERRETA HIKE (need a gps file? read my article on downloading from strava)
GETTING TO SERRETA HIKE
By Car: It’s about a 25-minute drive from Angra do Heroísmo. The trail starts near Serreta Natural Park, where you’ll find a small parking area. Arrive early or before sunset to snag a spot.
By Public Transport: Public transport won’t get you here, so renting a car is your best option. Check out my guide to renting a car in Azores for all the details you need.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING SERRETA
This hike starts off easy with a dirt road that leads into a dense forest. The air was fresh, the birds were singing, and it felt like nature was welcoming us in. Not long after, we reached a fork, and the trail narrowed into what can only be described as an enchanted forest. Giant trees loomed overhead, and the ground was lush with moss and ferns. Incredible.
As we climbed, the scenery kept shifting. One minute, we were under a thick green canopy, and the next, we were standing on an open ridge with clouds rolling in. The weather here is wild and unpredictable but somehow adds to the experience.
Lagoinha – a cute little lagoon.
If only we’d been luckier with the clouds… or should I say without them, Lagoinha would have easily been the highlight of this hike. This crystal-clear lagoon felt like something straight out of a postcard. The steep path leading there was lined with flowers, and on a clear day, I can only imagine how stunning the view must be. Next time, I guess 😅
After a quick snack break, we followed the loop trail back, passing through gates, farm fields, and even more magical forest vibes. By the time we hit the final stretch, the sunset was painting the sky which was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip we had today!
CONCLUSION
The Serreta hike might not be the longest, but it will stay in your memory with its stunning forest and peaceful lagoon. It’s the perfect trail for those wanting a mix of adventure and serenity without spending the whole day hiking.
If you’re as hooked on Terceira as I was, don’t miss other trails on the island here. And if you’re planning to explore other islands in the Azores, keep an eye out for my ultimate hiking guide for the Azores coming soon!
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to grab me a coffee 😊 it means the world. And don’t forget to follow me on social media for more adventures and tips!
